Triumph in the dirt: McKenzie County Ag Expo wins “Top Footing” award
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
The McKenzie County Ag Expo Pro Rodeo has galloped onto the national rodeo map, earning the prestigious First Place winner of the Badlands Circuit for the 2025 Justin Best Footing Award. This recognition, which highlights a commitment to the health and well-being of animal athletes, is a major victory for the first-time Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) event in the area.
Chris Kubal, Executive Director of the Ag Expo, was pleasantly surprised by the news. “I was astonished that we were even considered for the award,” Kubal said. “It’s exciting that the first Pro Rodeo out of the gates that we were even up for discussion, let alone win the award.” The Justin Best Footing Award is a corporate partnership between the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) and Justin Brands to recognize committees that ensure safe and consistent ground conditions for barrel racing horses and all rodeo livestock. The winners are determined by votes from the WPRA membership and Circuit Directors.
For the Ag Expo team, the true validation comes from the competitors themselves. Kubal emphasized the significance of being chosen by the barrel racers. “One of the coolest parts of the award is that it is voted on by the contestants that are putting their high-priced horses on the line every time they run,” he stated. “To be able to have 90 ladies from all over the Midwest come in and compete for the first time here and then to turn around and vote for us is amazing!” This acknowledgment of unseen labor is invaluable for local committees. Kubal noted, “There is a list a mile long of what happens behind the scenes to put on a successful event that the general public will never see.” Awards like these “help keep the whole team excited and motivated to keep trying harder all the time.”
For the full story, visit www.watfordcitynd.com and subscribe to the McKenzie County Farmer today!